2 projector stands removed from controversial Peak lighting project after outcry

Parts of two installations in a controversial lighting project along a walking trail on The Peak have been removed, days after Hong Kong’s tourism authorities pledged to balance the community’s needs and said the scheme was not “set in stone”.

The removals came hours after Commissioner for Tourism Ann Chan Wai-yan inspected the site on Saturday morning with a lawmaker and a district councillor, following an outcry from residents who accused the Hong Kong Tourism Board of removing trees and flowers to make way for the installations.

When the South China Morning Post visited The Peak late on Saturday afternoon, two large metal stands that had held industrial-grade projectors had been removed, leaving only their grey foundational blocks and some bolts, which were not cordoned off.

A security guard near the park on the Harlech Road and Lugard Road circular walk confirmed that the two structures had been removed that afternoon.

But a smaller metal stand with a projector remained cordoned off near a pavilion. The guard said it had been tested but was not yet fully operational.

While some installations were already in place, they would not be switched on yet because of the ongoing controversy, he added.

Around a dozen smaller projectors remained attached to railings along Harlech Road, leading to the Peak Galleria, and light installations at a workout area remained fenced off, with security guards stationed nearby.

The installations were planned for selected locations along the walking trail as part of a new light show for the coming Hong Kong WinterFest.

Residents have shared photos online of the installations being tested, with neon-coloured lights directed at trees and kaleidoscopic patterns projected onto the trail.

When asked about the removal work and for an update on the project, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau referred the SCMP to a social media post and said it had nothing to add.

The bureau said in the post that Ann Chan and representatives from the Tourism Board had inspected lighting installations with lawmaker Judy Chan Kapui and Central and Western district councillor Jeremy Young Chit-on along Lugard Road and Harlech Road on Saturday.

“We will continue to arrange field visits to The Peak by different lawmakers and hear more opinions. We will also quickly deal with some improvements that can be done immediately on people’s suggestions and continue to relieve people’s concerns with practical actions,” it said.

“We will strive to balance as much as possible the benefits of tourism, the actual situation in the district, the perception of residents and the ecological environment.”

Judy Chan said she had not been told about the removal of parts of the installation during the morning inspection.

She noted the lighting installations’ impact on the environment and traffic, as well as the safety risks they posed.

She said that if the project attracted large crowds, the surrounding transport infrastructure and pedestrian pathways would come under significant strain, causing congestion and safety risks.

“Even with technical adjustments, concealing wiring and changing the number and placement of light fixtures, it remains difficult to fully eliminate the impact of artificial installations on the visual character of natural trails and the surrounding ecosystem,” she said.

She urged the government to conduct a thorough and prudent assessment after considering the environmental impact and public views.

“In light of the project’s practical feasibility and actual effectiveness on The Peak, authorities should reconsider whether it is necessary to proceed, to ensure the optimal use of resources and allow the natural landscape to be restored,” she said.

The SCMP learned earlier this week that related works had been suspended amid mounting complaints that the installations were damaging the environment.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said earlier that the Tourism Board and the Tourism Commission were gathering public feedback and would visit the relevant sites with district councillors.

“As the project is still under way, nothing is set in stone yet,” Law said.

“It is still too early to talk about advancing the project. We are still listening to opinions and may make modifications.”